Ancient volcanic ranges and the alluvial floodplain created by the Waikato River have led to an area rich in native flora and fauna, and a variety of habitats from wetlands to bush-clad hills.

Visitors are offered up-close experiences that include a guaranteed sighting of New Zealand’s iconic bird, the kiwi. And the region offers a wide range of walks through native bush, from easy strolls to overnight hut stays.

Sanctuary Mountain - Maungatautari Ecological Island

It is the product of the determined local community who formed the Maungatautari Trust with the goal of restoring a patch of New Zealand to the way it once was hundreds of years ago.

The sanctuary is the largest inland conservation ‘island’ in New Zealand and endangered species are beginning to thrive behind its 47km-long pest-proof fence. Among its introduced inhabitants are the kiwi, the hihi (stitchbird), the cheeky kaka, the brightly coloured takahe and the kokako.

Further species continue to be released, while during restoration work others have been rediscovered already living in its 3400 ha of native bush. The showcase southern enclosure has the greatest concentration of protected species and a 16 m high viewing tower.

Guided day and night walks are available.

Otorohanga Kiwi House

Nearby, in Otorohanga, is the well established Kiwi House & Native Bird Park, where you can view kiwi in specially created nocturnal houses. Other native birds are also on show in a large dome aviary along with New Zealand’s ancient reptile, the tuatara and other indigenous fauna.

Forest walks and mountain biking tracks

The country’s tallest recorded kahikatea is on the slopes of Mt Pirongia, which also boasts a leg of the national walkway, Te Araroa. To the south of the region, Pureora Forest Park offers serious tramping and the sight of the buried forest, created by a Lake Taupo eruption 1800 years ago.

There are plenty of other options, including a network of walks and biking tracks at Mt Te Aroha, the purity of the Blue Spring near Putaruru and a walk to a grove of kauri in the Hakarimata Ranges near Ngaruawahia.

Waterfalls

The region also features three impressive waterfalls made accessible by walking tracks. The Wairere Falls in the Kaimai ranges between Te Aroha and Matamata are the highest in the North Island at 153m.

On route to the 35m high Marakopa Falls, walkers will pass the 25 million year old fossilized oysters which are exposed in the limestone outcrops, while to Raglan in the east, it is an easy 10 minute walk to the spectacular 55m high Bridal Veil Falls.

Wetlands

The Hamilton & Waikato region once had huge tracts of wetlands created by the wandering Waikato River, providing a haven for native wildlife.

Some impressive wetlands remain, including the internationally significant Whangamarino in northern Waikato, which is home to the Australasian bittern and the fernbird, along with native sedges and rushes.

Lake Ngaroto between Hamilton and Te Awamutu is one of the largest peat lakes in the region. The community restoration project has seen extensive re-planting take place around the lake.

Eco lodges

Eco lodges around the region give visitors the chance to make the most of all that’s on offer. For example, Solscape Eco Retreat in Raglan overlooks the world famous surf spot Manu Bay and offers an off-the-grid Tipi Retreat, stylish eco baches and recycled New Zealand railway carriages.

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Things to do, places to go, and general travel information about the Hamilton & Waikato region. Situated in the heart of the North Island the diverse Hamilton & Waikato region combines adventure activity with stunning landscape & relaxing escapes.